My Love Letter to the Chamber… pun intended… Happy Valentine’s Day 😉

This morning, I pulled into the Market Street garage, as I have done more times than I can count, and walked down the familiar cobblestone streets toward the Chamber office. The cold air, the quiet of early downtown Lowell and the uneven stones that have turned my ankle on more than one occasion… it is a walk I have taken hundreds of times. Today, though, I knew it was the last time I would make it as President and CEO of the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce.

That realization sat somewhere between gratitude and bittersweet reflection.

I became a Chamber member 19 years ago and stepped into this role in 2011. I was an eager twenty-eight-year-old, born and raised in Lowell, determined to plant roots in the community that shaped me and that I had come to cherish more than I ever imagined. (There’s A LOT to like about Lowell!)

I used to joke that the Chamber was my first baby, followed by Zoe, Landry and Milo. (They are all significantly more work – for the record!) For nearly 15 years, this organization has been the center of my professional world and one of the greatest gifts of my life. It shaped me, pushed me and gave me so much more than I ever gave it. (Some of you will argue that. Please don’t. I know what I know!)

From the very beginning, I understood that the Chamber was not simply a business organization. It is a community… a network of people who genuinely want to see one another succeed, who show up consistently, who celebrate accomplishments and support each other through challenges. That sense of belonging is what drew me in as a member and what I worked to protect and strengthen as a leader.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of watching our membership grow and evolve. Together, we launched and expanded programs that truly matter. I have had the opportunity to train hundreds of businesses and nonprofits on how to grow using social media and, more recently, to lead an AI series designed to help our members stay ahead of what comes next. We revitalized the Young Professionals of Greater Lowell, produced countless episodes of Chamber Chat and hosted signature events that brought hundreds of members, business leaders and community partners together. Each of these efforts reinforced what I have always believed – the Greater Lowell business community is truly special.

When I look back, I do not see a blur of years. I see faces. I see conversations, partnerships, packed rooms and quiet moments of problem-solving. I see Lowell – resilient, hardworking and continually finding new ways to shine. Most of all, I see the people who made this work meaningful.

To our members, past and present, thank you. The Chamber exists because of you. Your trust, your energy and your commitment to this community made every day worthwhile.

To our board members, your guidance, time and belief in this organization have been the foundation of our success. Serving alongside you has been an honor.

To our staff, past and present, none of this happens without you. A special thank you to Patti McLaughlin, whose steady stewardship as our accountant for more than two decades has been invaluable. So many dedicated individuals have contributed to what the Chamber has become and I am deeply grateful for each of you.

I would also like to thank Teddy Panos and InsideLowell. For the past several years, you have built something magical that our community truly needed. I am proud of what you have built and grateful to have shared that space with you.

As the Chamber enters its next chapter, I am confident it is in capable hands. Linsey Former steps into the role of Interim President with deep understanding of our members and this community. I have watched her grow into a thoughtful and dynamic leader and I look forward to seeing how the organization continues to thrive under her leadership. (Check out the podcast we did with Teddy this week!)

As for me, I am excited to begin a new chapter as Chief Marketing Officer at Incompass Human Services. Their mission of service, inclusion and community impact aligns closely with my own values and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue contributing to Greater Lowell in a new way.

The friendships and partnerships built over these years are not something I am leaving behind. They are lasting relationships that I will always carry with me. Serving as President and CEO of the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce has been the greatest honor of my professional life.

Thank you, Greater Lowell. Thank you, Chamber. I will see you on the cobblestones (or better yet, AT Cobblestones!).